Whole Safflower Seeds for Oil Extraction

Unground safflower seeds (Carthamus tinctorius) harvested for pressing into high-linoleic safflower oil used in cooking and industrial applications. Classified under HTS 1207.60.00.00 as oil seeds, whether or not broken, specifically safflower seeds. They yield a fixed oil rich in unsaturated fats, fitting Chapter 12's scope for oleaginous fruits.

Import Duty Rates by Country of Origin

Origin CountryMFN RateCh.99 SurchargesTotal Effective Rate
🇨🇳ChinaFree+35.0%35%
🇲🇽MexicoFree+10.0%10%
🇨🇦CanadaFree+10.0%10%
🇩🇪GermanyFree+10.0%10%
🇯🇵JapanFree+10.0%10%

Alternative Classifications

This product could be classified differently depending on its characteristics or intended use.

1209.91.80Same rate: 35%

If certified and marketed for sowing

Per Chapter Note to 1209, seeds of a kind used for sowing, including safflower, fall under 1209 even if oleaginous, excluding those in 1201-1207.

2306.50.00.00Lower: 17.5% vs 35%

If processed into oil cake or meal after extraction

Residues from oil seed extraction, like safflower meal, are classified in 2306 as by-products, not raw seeds.

1214Lower: 10% vs 35%

If hulled, sorted, and sold as birdseed mix component

Hulled or processed safflower for retail bird feed may be seen as 'other vegetable products' rather than raw oil seeds.

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Import Tips & Compliance

Verify seed purity and erucic acid content via lab testing to avoid misclassification as low erucic rape/colza under 1205.10

Obtain phytosanitary certificates from exporting countries to comply with USDA APHIS import requirements for oil seeds

Declare 'not for sowing' on entry documents, as sowing seeds may shift to HTS 1209.91 if used for propagation

Related Products under HTS 1207.60.00.00

Broken Safflower Seeds Bulk Pack

Mechanically cracked safflower (Carthamus tinctorius) seeds supplied in bulk for commercial oil pressing or animal feed blending. HTS 1207.60.00.00 covers oil seeds whether or not broken, explicitly including this form of safflower. The seeds' high oil content (around 35-40%) qualifies them as oleaginous fruits under Chapter 12.

Organic Safflower Seeds Certified

Certified organic whole safflower seeds (Carthamus tinctorius) grown without synthetic pesticides, intended for organic oil production. Falls squarely under HTS 1207.60.00.00 for safflower oil seeds, as organic status does not alter the botanical classification in Chapter 12.

High Oleic Safflower Seeds

Genetically selected safflower seeds (Carthamus tinctorius) with high oleic acid content for stable cooking oil production. Classified in HTS 1207.60.00.00 as the specific oil seed type, regardless of varietal oil profile variations. Chapter 12 covers all such oleaginous seeds.

Safflower Seeds for Bird Feed

Cleaned whole safflower seeds (Carthamus tinctorius) packaged for wild bird feeding, valued for deterring squirrels. HTS 1207.60.00.00 applies to raw oil seeds, whether or not broken, prior to further processing. End-use as bird feed does not change the raw seed classification.

Raw Safflower Seeds Industrial Grade

Industrial-grade safflower (Carthamus tinctorius) seeds for biofuel or paint oil production, often with higher impurities tolerated. Directly under HTS 1207.60.00.00 for all safflower oil seeds. Chapter 12 includes seeds for any oleaginous fruit use.

White Hull Safflower Seeds

Variety of safflower seeds (Carthamus tinctorius) with white hulls, prized for higher oil yield and easier processing. Classified under HTS 1207.60.00.00 as the species-specific oil seed, irrespective of hull color or variety. No subdistinctions within the 10-digit code.